What to Do When Your Stolen Gun is Missing: A Comprehensive Guide

Security measures can sometimes fail, and unfortunately, guns can be stolen. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to take when you find out your gun has been stolen, ensuring you get the police to take the appropriate action.

1. Make a Police Report

The first and most crucial step is to make a police report. This report is foundational in ensuring that law enforcement is aware of the situation and can take action if your stolen gun is recovered.

The Process

Provide detailed information about the theft, including the circumstances under which the gun was taken. Supply the serial number of the gun, if available. This information is crucial as it helps law enforcement track the stolen firearm. Include any relevant purchase information, such as the date of purchase and the store or retailer from which it was bought.

When you make the report, if you provide the serial number, it will be entered into all appropriate databases. This means that if another law enforcement agency comes across your stolen firearm, they will know and can return it to you. However, don't expect the police to initiate an extensive search; they won't be calling out a vast team to look for your gun under rocks.

2. What to Expect from the Police Report

After you've reported the theft, the police will take a detailed statement from you. They will make a note that the gun has been stolen and leave you to follow up at a later time. This doesn't necessarily mean they've abandoned your case; it simply means they are relying on the gun being recovered for any further action.

Why Should You “Get It Back”?

As a responsible gun owner, you should have the serial number, the purchase date, and the date of the theft. Reporting to the police includes giving them all the necessary details to help them track the gun. This includes the model, make, and other identifying features of your firearm. Reporting your gun ensures that it can be identified and returned to you if it is recovered.

3. What If You Don't Know the Serial Number?

If you can't provide the serial number, it significantly complicates the situation. In such a case, the police may need more information to proceed. It's important to consider when and where you last had possession of the gun. Was it stolen during a burglary, or did you simply leave it in your car?

Serial number not just a code—It's crucial. If it was left in your car, it's highly probable that the gun is either in the possession of someone else or has been destroyed.

What Happens Next?

First, report the theft and the serial number will go into a database. Without a clue about who took it, the police can't take many actionable steps. They can't initiate a search or pursue the thief. Action is possible only when the stolen gun resurfaces. Keep this in mind and continue to be vigilant.

It's also important to check the property receipt for any specific instructions regarding the retrieval time of the firearm. If it's not evidence, they should release it to you based on the receipt details. However, if it is evidence, the police will have to keep it until the case is resolved.

Conclusion

When you find out your gun has been stolen, the most important step is to make a police report with all the necessary information. This sets in motion the process of the gun being marked as stolen and helps in its recovery if found. Remember, the police are looking for actionable information to recover and return your stolen firearm. Stay vigilant and follow through with the necessary steps.